Because the consequences of drug prohibition are far-reaching in their impact on different communities across the globe, exposing oneself to new perspectives is crucial to understanding the totality of the drug war. We hope that you’ll seize the opportunity presented by SSDP2017 to make lasting connections with students, alumni, and allies from around the world, and help each other become better, more effective, and more engaged activists.

This special conference-focused issue of the Monthly Mosaicwill discuss intersectionality, inclusion, and diversity at SSDP2017.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DIVERSE?

One of SSDP’s key values is diversity and inclusion, and the DARE committee strives to create a welcoming, open, and safe space for all stakeholders working to end the war on drugs. We endeavor to ensure that the range of perspectives of all communities and individuals negatively impacted by the War on Drugs are represented and integrated into SSDP and the drug policy reform movement at large.

CONFERENCES AS A PRIVILEGED FORM OF ORGANIZING.

Being able to attend conferences is a privilege that many activists do not have. The cost of conference registration fees, travel expenses, lodging, and food can make attending a conference an expensive endeavor. SSDP works very hard to ensure that as many students in the network as possible can attend the annual conference by providing scholarships through the CAT point system to cover registration and lodging, and SSDP-DARE also has our own scholarship fund for people who bring diverse perspectives to the table.

The bureaucratic process involved with international travel also makes it difficult to attend conferences. Folks traveling from outside a country’s borders may need to apply for visas (most U.S. visas cost around $160 dollars). Nonetheless, 31 international students will be attending SSDP2017. Out of the 31 international students, 19 needed to apply for visas to come. 12 additional students applied for visas and were rejected.

GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS & PRONOUNS ON BADGES.

Two major changes you might notice at this year’s conference — and all future SSDP conferences — are gender neutral bathrooms and conference badges with personal gender pronouns.

Additionally, gender neutral bathrooms are more convenient for families and people with disabilities. Parents can accompany their children to the bathroom no matter what gender they are. People with disabilities who need assistance when using the bathroom can be attended by a different-sex friend, family member, or caretaker.

HOW TO MAKE SSDP2017 A SAFER SPACE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

SSDP is a global community, and our conferences are a global space. SSDP2017 will have students from all over the world present, and it’s important we make sure guests to our country feel both welcome and safe. Here are some tips to help create this environment…

Be respectful of cultural differences. Many of the international SSDPers attending SSDP2017 have never been to the United States before and could be experiencing some culture shock. Make them feel welcome by introducing yourself, and asking where they are from and what drug policy is like in their country.

Create space for global perspectives. The vast majority of attendees & speakers at the conference will be from the United States, so it’s important to include space for international students to share perspectives from their countries. If you’re sitting next to an international student in a panel, ask them what they think of the topic and empower them to ask questions or share a perspective. During networking time, ask international students what challenges they face as drug policy activists in their home country. SSDP conferences are a great opportunity to learn from each other.

Participate in cultural exchanges. As important as it is to make space for global perspectives, international students also want to learn about where you are from as well. Tell them about where you grew up, how you got involved with SSDP, and suggest things to see and do while they are in the US. Many of the international students attending SSDP2017 will be staying in the country for a few weeks to attend other conferences and would love to hear your suggestions.

Assume best intent. There are many countries where discussing drugs is still a very taboo topic, and as such, you might hear some international students refer to using drugs as “sinful” or “morally wrong.” When you hear stigmatizing language like this, try calling in instead of calling out, and invite them to share their perspective with you. At the end of the day, we’re all here to end the War on Drugs, and you’ll ultimately find you have more in common with international students than you have differences.

Break the language barrier. While some international students may come from English-speaking countries, English is a second language for many others. When talking with a student whose primary language is not English, be patient, speak slowly, and don’t shy away from striking up a conversation. Dust off your high school foreign language skills and try your best! If you’re bilingual, consider offering to translate for an international student with questions.

Stay connected after the conference. Make sure you exchange contact info, add each other on Facebook, and make plans to keep talking to the international students you befriend at SSDP2017. Who knows? You may find yourself in their country one day, in need of a guide or place to crash!

INTERSECTIONALITY AND THE DRUG WAR AT SSDP2017.

Interested in further exploring drug policy’s intersections with race, class, gender, sexuality, geopolitics, and more? SSDP-DARE has highlighted a few sessions at SSDP2017 which you might enjoy…

Saturday

West African Perspectives on Drug Use and Policy (10:30-11:30am, Weyerhaeuser)

A Feminist Critique of the Drug War (11:45-12:45pm, Crown Zellerbach)

Rural Landscapes in Drug Policy Reform (11:45-12:45pm, Weyerhaeuser)

Staying Woke: Ally-ship, racial politics, and the collateral consequences of the drug war (11:45-12:45pm, Clackamas)